Series parallel,investigating resistance,electricity in home

• What is the main characteristic of series circuits regarding current?

  Current is the same everywhere.
• How does potential difference behave in series circuits?

  Potential difference is shared among components.
• What happens to resistance in a series circuit?

  Resistance adds up.
• How do cell potential differences behave in series circuits?

  Cell potential differences add up.
• Why are parallel circuits more common in real life?

  They allow for independent operation of components.
• How are components connected in parallel circuits?

  Each component is independently connected to the positive and negative of the supply.
• What happens if one component is removed from a parallel circuit?

  It hardly affects how the other components work.
• What is the potential difference across all components in a parallel circuit?

  It is the same across all components.
• How does current behave in parallel circuits?

  The total current is equal to the sum of the currents through each component.
• What happens at junctions in parallel circuits?

  The total current going into a junction equals the total current leaving.
• What is the effect of adding a resistor in parallel on total resistance?

  Total resistance decreases.
• How does the potential difference across resistors in parallel compare to the source?

  Both resistors have the same potential difference as the source.
• What is the relationship between current and resistance in parallel circuits?

  An increase in current leads to a decrease in total resistance.
• What is the formula to calculate resistance using potential difference and current?

  Resistance is calculated using $R =$$\frac{V}{I}$.
• What are the steps to investigate adding resistors in series?

  1. Find at least four identical resistors.
  2. Build the circuit with one resistor.
  3. Note the battery's potential difference (V).
  4. Measure the current using an ammeter.
  5. Calculate resistance using $R =$$\frac{V}{I}$.
  6. Add another resistor in series and repeat.
  7. Plot a graph of the number of resistors against total resistance.
• What are the characteristics of alternating current (ac) and direct current (dc)?

  • AC: Current changes direction, produced by mains supply, UK mains supply is around 230 V at 50 Hz.
  • DC: Current flows in the same direction, created by direct voltage.
• What are the three wires in a three-core cable and their functions?

  1. Live Wire (Brown): Provides alternating potential difference (~230 V).
  2. Neutral Wire (Blue): Completes the circuit, around 0 V.
  3. Earth Wire (Green/Yellow): Protects wiring, stops appliance casing from becoming live, usually at 0 V.
• What happens if you touch the live wire?

  A large potential difference is produced across your body, causing a current to flow through you.
• Why is there still a danger of electric shock even when a switch is off?

  There is still a potential difference in the live wire.
• What can happen if there is a connection between live and earth wires?

  A low resistance path can create a huge current, potentially causing a fire.
• What is the potential difference of the live wire?

  About 230 V.
• What is the potential difference of the neutral wire?

  Around 0 V.
• What is the potential difference of the earth wire?

  It is also at 0 V.
• What are the risks associated with electricity?

  • Electric shock from live wires.
  • Potential for fire from short circuits.
  • Injury from faulty appliances.